Sapmail Online Edition
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2002

Important Update:2002 S.A. Scale Model Expo
Restructure of Technical Judged Categories

By John Kerr - Expo Co-ordinator

In December I started revising the 2001 list of Technical Judged categories for 2002, and it struck me that it was very inconsistent and perhaps a fresh approach was needed. After consulting with David Couche (Deputy Expo Co-ordinator) and some experienced Expo entrants / judges, I dramatically changed the structure to be based on specific subject type and then scale only rather than the current mixed skill based, subject and scale. Why do we need a more consistent & logical category structure ?

I suggest the following reasons;

1. The number of Modified entries have not increased over the years to warrant retaining any Modified categories (nb. it was to be recommended that all Modified categories be eliminated in 2002).

2. Increase in after-market accessory items now being included with many kits (especially aircraft, armour and auto) making skill differentiation between "Standard" (ie. Out-Of-Box) and "Enhanced" almost irrelevant.

3. Confusion among entrants, processing staff, judges and viewing public as to how Technical Judged categories are structured & where a number of entries fit.

4. Mixture of how existing categories are differentiated, ie. some are by type where as others are by skill (refer to auto and aircraft). It would make sense to continue the trend in the Auto area (ie. split by specific type in cars, motorbikes etc.) and split other major areas, ie. AFV and Aircraft, also by specific subject type.

I presented a "DRAFT ONLY" table that listed the proposed Technical Judged categories for the 2002 S.A. SCALE MODEL EXPO at the January 15th SAPMA meeting. In simple terms, the new category structure removes all Standard, Enhanced and Modified categories in Aircraft, Cars and AFV.

Following discussion with members, it was agreed in principle to implement this new category structure. There will be some minor modification to the list as those members responsible for judging Auto categories will meet to better define their categories. The final list of Technical Judged categories will be discussed and agreed to at the SAPMA Committee Meeting of Sunday 2nd February so we can move quickly with promoting these changes and this year's Expo (which is the 20th anniversary of the event).

"DRAFT ONLY"

Table of Categories for 2002 CODE DESCRIPTION (& SPLIT) SCALE (& Definitions)

CODE DESCRIPTION (& SPLIT) SCALE (& Definitions)

RO1 Rotors / Helicopters Open - All Scales PR1 Prop - Single Engine Small (1/72 & smaller) PR2 Prop - Multi Engine Small (1/72 & smaller) PR3 Prop - Single Engine Medium (1/50 - 1/48) PR4 Prop - Multi Engine Medium (1/50 - 1/48) PR5 Prop Large (1/35 & larger) JT1 Jet Small (1/72 & smaller) JT2 Jet - WW2 / Cold War (until early 1960s) Medium (1/50 - 1/48) JT3 Jet - Vietnam War (mid 1960s) to today Medium (1/50 - 1/48) JT4 Jet Large (1/35 & larger)

AV1 AFV Small AV2 AFV - Tracked until end WW2 1945 Large AV3 AFV - Tracked 1946 - today Large AV4 AFV - Wheel Driven Large

CR1 Cars Small (1/43 & smaller) CR2 Cars - Non-Competition Street Medium CR3 Cars - Competition Closed Wheel Medium CR4 Cars - Competition Open Wheel Medium CR5 Cars Large UT1 Utilities - Light Commercial Non-Military Vehicles Open - All Scales TR1 Trucks - Heavy Commercial Non-Military Vehicles Open - All Scales MB1 Motorbikes Open - All Scales

HF1 Historical Figures - Up to 1900 (inclusive) Open - All Scales HF2 Historical Figures - 1901 - today Open - All Scales VG1 Vignettes - (Max. 4 Figures) Open - All Scales

SF1 Sci-Fi & Fantasy - Figures Open - All Scales SF2 Sci-Fi & Fantasy - Vehicles Open - All Scales DR1 Dioramas Open - All Scales

SH1 Ships Open - All Scales UN1 Un-nominated Open - All Scales

TA1 Triathalon Open - All Scales

I17 Intermediate - Ages 14 - 17 At date of entry J14 Junior - Under 14 At date of entry

Webmaster's Note: For some odd reason I couldn't get John's original table to copy here so I've left it as is. It's a bit hard to read but still understandable. Sorry!

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